Spotify is upgrading its technology. The first hints of a lossless audio feature have appeared in the current beta version of the iPhone app. The feature has been anticipated for years and is now apparently close to launch. At the same time, Spotify is working on a new subscription model with additional features. For users, this means better sound quality—but potentially also higher costs.
Spotify announced a HiFi plan with lossless streaming back in 2021. Little has happened since then. While Apple Music offers its entire catalog in lossless quality at no extra charge, Spotify has remained conspicuously silent. But now there are increasing signs that the topic is gaining momentum again. Various sources have discovered lines of code that indicate the imminent launch of a lossless audio feature—not only in the web player but also in the iOS app.
Hints in the app code indicate new quality settings
According to Chris Messina (via TechCrunch ) and the tool Spicetify (via The Verge ), the current version of the Spotify web player and desktop app contain several references to lossless audio quality. Among other things, it mentions music with "up to 24 bits at 44.1 kHz." This information corresponds to lossless CD quality. Further lines of code indicate that these files can not only be streamed but also saved locally on the iPhone. Spotify writes:
We're introducing the best sound quality on Spotify: for music up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.
New subscription model “Music Pro” planned
At the same time, Spotify is apparently working on a new pricing model called "Music Pro." According to a report , this package will include not only lossless audio, but also remix tools and access to concert tickets. Spotify plans to introduce a surcharge structure for these additional features. A monthly fee of up to $5.99 is being discussed—in addition to the standard Spotify Premium subscription. Whether and in what form this price will be adopted in Europe is not yet known.
Competitors already offer lossless audio for free
Spotify is late to this step. Since 2021, Apple Music has offered almost its entire music catalog in lossless audio quality with up to 24 bits at 192 kHz – at no additional cost to subscribers. Other streaming services such as Amazon Music HD and Tidal have also been active in this area for some time. So, how users react to the pricing will be crucial for Spotify.
Spotify is getting ready – release this year?
There's no official release date yet for the lossless audio feature or the Music Pro subscription. However, Bloomberg reports that the launch is planned for this year. Technically, Spotify seems to be ready – the code is there, and the marketing will likely follow soon. If you use Spotify and have been waiting for better sound quality, you should keep an eye on the next few weeks. Whether you really want to pay more for lossless sound ultimately depends on how important audio fidelity and additional features are to you. (Image: Shutterstock / Diego Thomazini)
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